It’s not clear whether it would be quicker to walk or to canoe to Hay-on-Wye. Both are possible from Racquety Farm and, just a few hundred metres from the edge of town, it takes a matter of minutes until you’re perched on a chair outside a tea shop, cuppa in hand, watching the world go by. As campsites go, few can manage such a supreme combination of tourist-town proximity and remote, countryside feel. Pitch your tent beside the bushy hedgerows and you seem hidden in the verdant Welsh wilderness. Walk across the meadows into town, however, and you’re suddenly in the bustling hive that is Hay-on-Wye in summertime.
Racquety Farm is quite an enterprise. A mix of woodland, orchards, organic crops and grazed pastures, the farm is situated directly on the banks of the River Wye – its banks are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The result is a conscientious campsite, with plenty of recycling, composting toilets and no caravans or large motorhomes allowed. The farm is all organic and one acre is even used for the Hayfield Community Garden, a local food-growing and gardening scheme set up by the people of Hay-on-Wye.
The camping, though basic, is idyllic, in the form of roughly 60 undesignated pitches spread around the orchard or in a slightly sloping meadow, along with five geo-domes for glamping. Each of these is a different size, ranging from a four-metre dome for a couple to a ginormous six and a half metre dome that can sleep up to eight people. Each was homemade by Geoff the owner and are furnished simply but practically to create warmth and comfort for most weather conditions. Carpets, beds and bedding, wooden furnishings and electric lighting are all included. Most importantly, there’s also a cosy wood-burning stove. There are relatively simple hot-water shacks where you can do your washing up, brush teeth or take a shower and braziers are available to rent for that essential evening campfire. And there's more good news in that they have a separate two-room B&B for those who want a bit of extra home comfort.
The real appeal of Racquety Farm, though, is the river. Kingfishers and herons can be spotted and otters are known to frequent the area, along with badgers, hedgehogs, red kites, woodpeckers, dormice, bats and owls also. Ros’s son runs a well-known canoe hire company from the campsite – 'Want to Canoe?' – and you can launch your own canoes directly from the farm. Multi-day outings are highly recommended, partly for the full experience of the river and partly to give you more time in the canoe. The River Wye has popular wild swimming sites just a short walk from Racquety Farm or stick to terra ferma and wander into Hay-on-Wye. The town is just moments away and that café cuppa awaits.
Unique domed cabin with panoramic view of pretty Welsh border town and castle. Situated in a peaceful orchard with fruit trees and meadow grasses. Lots of wild birdlife to watch as well as beautiful countryside to explore. Close to walks along the River Wye and in the Black Mountains. Fine woodland walks. We are situated next to The Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path. The cabin has it's own well equipped camp kitchen, a good hot shower just next door and a compost loo (both private to the cabin). The Carapace can be made with a double or 2 single beds. It also has a sofa bed which can offer additional sleeping space for 1 more guestHosted by Ros G.
Joined in November 2016Directly adjacent to the campsite there is Aubrey's canoe hire company (01497 820604) – you can slip straight out onto the water and paddle into town or further afield. They can pick you up again further downstream or start in Glasbury-on-Wye for a longer spell on the water. Sailing (01874 658596) is also available at nearby Llangorse Lake and there's horse riding in Bryngwyn (01497 851669), while heading out on foot along Offa's Dyke Path or The Wye Valley Walk is also hugely popular. For most, however, it's the 5–10-minute walk to Hay town centre that's the real attraction. Aside from the collection of good pubs and restaurants, the place is awash with quirky, independent shops. It is particularly renowned for its antique and vintage shops and book shops.
A breakfast bar onsite is available on busy weekends and for whole group bookings (contact the site to discuss). Local produce is available from the Hayfield Community Garden during summer months or in Hay Town at the Deli and Greengrocer (01497 820708). There's also an excellent local butchers (01497 820636). Racquety Farm has raspberries for sale (end of June–September) with a 'pick-your-own' that is particular popular with families. Homemade apple juice is also for sale while stocks last!
